Gripping device



W. H. HUTTER GRIPPING DEVICE Filed Jan, 31. .1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 25 a/dzmmziw 24% Feb. 17. 1925.

W. H. HUTTER GRIPPING DEVICE Filed Jan. 31. 1923 2 Sheets$heet 2Patented Feb. 17, 1925.

UNITED STATES WILLIAM HASTINGS 'HUTTER, 0F GLEN ELLYN, ILLINOIS.

GEIPPING DEVICE.

Application filed January 31, 1923.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM H. H'UTTER, a citizen of the United States,residing at Glen Ellyn, Illinois, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Gripping Devices, of which the following is aspecifloat-ion.

My present invention relates to a gripping device designed especiallyfor releasably holding such things as ropes and cords, and may be usedfor such purposes as fastening clothes lines, tennis nets, tyingpackages, holding scaffolding ropes, etc. Among the objects of thisinvention are, to produce a new securing means for flexible ropes,cords, and the like, which will permit easy application and release ofsaid securing means; to produce a structure of the char acter indicatedwhich will securely hold flexible members in adjusted position; toproduce a structure of the character indicated having easily operatedmeans for securing flexible lines, etc., in place; to produce a deviceof the character stated having readily yielding resilient means forholding the parts in proper operative position and permitting the sameto be moved into releasing position; and such further objects,advantages, and capabilities as will later more fully appear.

My invention further resides in the combination, construction andarrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and,while I have shown therein preferred embodiments, I desire the same tobe understood as illustrative only, and not as limiting my invention.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one formof my gripping device showing a flexible member held thereby and havinga flexible member attached thereto, for operation of the parts.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 but showing in dottedlines the operation of this device. Fig. 8 is an end view of theconstruction shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of amodification of the device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is an end view of theconstruction shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of amodification of the structure shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a perspectiveview of a further modification of the device shown in Fig. 1. Figs. 8and 9 are perspective views of still other Serial No. 615,995.

modifications. Fig. 10 is an end view of the structure shown in Fig. 9.Fig. 11 shows a still further modification for use in securingscaffolding ropes. Fig. 12 is a modification of the structure shown inFig. 11.

Referring more in detail to the annexed drawings, reference character Fdesignates the frame, in general, while the reference letter L denotesin general the latch. The frame F has a pair of normally substantiallyparallel side members, 1 and 2, connected together at one end in any oneof various ways, depending upon the purpose for which the device isintended. In all of the forms, except those shown in Figs. 4, 11 and 12,the side elements, 1 and 2, are connected by a resilient loop 3, whichis relied upon to give the necessary resiliency, in conjunction with theside elements, to hold these side elements in their normal operativeposition. If desired, this resilient loop 3 may be used as the attachingmeans for this end ofthe gripping member, but it is preferred to, insome instances, provide a separate attaching loop 4;, as shown in Figs.a, 6, 8 and 9.

As shown in Figs. 6, 8 and 9, it is contemplated to use both loops 3 and1 in some instances. In the form of execution shown in Fig. 8, theattaching means a is replaced by a pair of loops 5. These loops arearranged substantially in a plane approximately perpendicular to theaxis of the gripping device, the purpose being to so arrange them thatscrews may be passed therethrough into a supporting member, such as awooden post or wall. It will of course be understood that this end ofthe gripping device may be attached to a rope, cord, chain, ,or otherequivalent flexible device, or the same may be attached to a rigiddevice such as a hook, a screw eye or the like.

The opposite ends of the side elements 1 and 2 are connected by a crosselement 6, preferably bent upwardly, slightly, as shown at 7, so thatthis cross element will cooperate in a better way with the latchingmember L. As shown in most of the figures, it is preferred to have theend of the side element 1 looped around the cross bar or element 6 insuch a way as to form a guid ing loop 8 for guiding the relative lateralmovement of these two elements. It will be seen from the foregoing thatthe side elements 1 and 2 are relatively movable, late ally with respectto each other, the purpose being to release the latch member so that theflexible member C may be detached therefrom.

The latch member L, in its simplest form comprises a coil 9 pivotallysecured, either directly or indirectly, to one oi: theside elements 1and i said coil having a cross bar 10 extending out enough to engage theother side element. in its normal operative position. Preferably coil 9has several turns formed alongside element 2 so as to give a sul'lieientbearing thereon to hold the cross bar 10 against unreasonable play. i issometimes desirable to provide the latch L vith a weight 11 which willserve to hold the cross bar 10 in position when there is nothing toforce it into another position. This weight is preferably formed bycoiling the end of the wire from wuich the latch is made. in the mannershown in Figs. 5 and 6. It is therefore clear that when the side bars orelements 1 and 2 are separated as shown in dotted line position in Fig.2, the flexiblemember C will cause the cross bar 10 to go throughbetween the two side elements into the dotted line position shown inthis figure. When this happens the tendency of the weight 11 is to carrythe latch on around until it occupies substantially the position shownin Figs. 4. 5 and 6, in which position it is ready to have the flexiblemember C attached.

Various means are shown in the dr wings tor releasing the latch member Lf om its engagement with the side element 1. In Figs. 1 and 2 this is tobe done by attaching arope or a cord to a loop 12 at the end ofelement 1. This" cord is to be pulled laterally and downwardly to causethe loop 8 to slide on cross bar 6 and carry side elenent 1 away fromside element 2, thereby releasing; cross bar 10 from element 1, thuspermitting the latch L to turn on its mounting; In the structures shownin Figs. 4, 5, and 6, the end or cross bar 6 is formed into a fingerpiece 13, while the end of side element 1 is formed into a finger piece1 It is clear that by pushing longitudinally of cross bar (3, by meansor a finger placed on linger piece 13 and, at the same time, pulling onlinger piece 1%, the elements 1 and 2 will be caused to separate, thuspermitting the latch L to turn about its pivot. The structure, shown inl? 6 is provided with the resilient loop 3 and will therefore ordinarilynot require any additional resilient means to return the elements 1 and2 to their normal position. in the construction shown in 1 a spring 15surrounds cross bar 6 between linger pieces 13 and 14: and will liurnishall the necessary ad ditional resilience required in places where thecoil 3 is omitted or the material used does not have sulficient inherentresilience. It is of course understood that .E V in 1,

the form shown in Fig. 6 may be provided with a spring 15 it desired.

lit is. contemplated that the structure shown in Fig. 7 will be made invarious sizes, but its primary purpose is for use in the tying of:packages and it will therefore, ordinarily, be made in a size smallerthan that shown in Fig. 7. The operation of this form, for the releaseof the flexible member is accon'iplished by pressing on the portions 16and 17 of the side eleineits 1 and 2. It will be clear that this willcause separation. of the side elements, thereby releasing latch member Lfrom its engagement with member 1. 80

in the term shown in Fig. 3. cross lltli' 6 is provided at its end witha loop 18 and the eid of side element 1 with a mop 19. a co: ,le elementLi) e or equivalent ti H connected to the latter and passed .rougrh theiormer, so that a pull thereon ill cause separation oi the side elements1 and 2, t the release of latch member L. as heretofore The same resultdescribed. accomplished in the term shown in Fig. 9 by providing a bend21' of an end of side element 1, which bend may he engaged by a lever 22serured at 23 to the end of cross bar The lever 22' is preterablyprovided \vitl'r means for the attachment oi a c l or equivalentflexible means. and it will be seen that a pull thereon will cause the22 to turn about its pivot. thus separating: side elements 1 and 2. asshown in dotted lines in Fig. 101

In the terms shown in Figs. 11 and 1!. the cross bar 6 is integral orrigidly C(Y'I neeted to bo h side elements a d while the opp-0s te endsi" oi these elements are sccured together in any desired manner. byintercoiling tle ends, as shown in 11 and 12. The end 25bit coil 9 islllO shown as being extended substantially parallel to the side ele ent2. and having its ex 'rezni" 3 27 bent at subs antially right angles top r:,- 11 through or he engaged by a lever 30 piv oted on a pin 29secured in a loop 539 formed in the side ot elei'ncut f2 internist iatoits ends. it is considered preferable to haw the extremity 2-? extendthrough an oprumovability oi" the side elements upon operating mechanismtor the lat men .1 L to inalze it possible to release t held flexiblemember so that the same may be operated.

The dotted arrows used in in Figs. a and 6,21, loop is formed in thecord C and is slipped over the cross bar 10, the cord being then drawntaut. This will pull the latch member along the side elements 1 and 2until the cord is held between the cross bars 6 and 10. When grippedtightly between these cross bars it will be almost impossible for theflexible member to slip, since the greater the pull on the cord 0 thegreater the pressure upon that portion of the cord which passesbet-weenthe cross bars 6 and 10, and the tighter will be the gripthereon. However, when it is desired torelease the cord or the like,from the position shown in Fig. 1, it is only necessary to causerelative lateral movement between the side elements 1 and 2 sufficientto permit the latch member L to turn about its axis, so that pressure onthe flexible member between the cross bars 6 and 10 will be decreased,and the flexible member thereby released.

These devices will be made in various forms, sizes, and proportions, inaccordance with the various uses to which the same are to be put,several thereof having already been made. It is, of course, linden stoodthat the specific description of struc tures set forth above may bedeparted from without departing from the spirit of my invention, as setforth in this specification and the appended claims.

Having now described my invention, I claim:-

1. In an article of the character described, a frame member and a latchmember, the frame member including a pair of spaced side elementsextending in the same general direction and resiliently connected at oneend, and the latch member being slidable on one of the side elements, tovary the grip of the device on a rope, cord, or the like, held thereby,one of the side elements being movable laterally, relatively to theother side element, to release the latch member from engagement with theside element by which it is not carried.

2. In an article of the character described, a frame member and a latchmember, the frame member includin a pair of normally substantiallyparallel side elements, resiliently joined at one end, said elementsbeing connected at their opposite ends for relative lateral movement,and the latch member being connected to one of the sides adapted to restagainst the other side and retain in its grip a held member, and capableof releasing said held member by applying lateral pressure to one of theside elements.

3. In an article of the character described, a frame member and a latchmember, the frame member including a pair of resiliently connected sidemembers, adapted to have their distance apart varied to release thelatch member from holding position, or retain it in holding position thelatch member being pivotally connected to one of the side elements andbeing held in contact with the other element by a held member.

4. In an article of the character described, a frame member and latchmember, the frame member including a pair of resiliently connected sidemembers, adapted to have their distance apart varied, the latch memberbeing pivotally connected to one of the side elements and being held incontact with the other element bya held member.

5. In an article of the character described, a frame member and a latchmember, the frame member including a pair of resiliently connected sidemembers, adapted to have their distance apart varied, the latch memberbeing pivotally connected to one of the side elements and being held incontact with the other element by a held member, the side elements beingrelatively separable to release the latch member, so that the heldmember may be disconnected.

6. In a holder for a flexible member, a frame having opposite sides,capable of moving pivotally relatively to each other, in a plane, alatch member pivoted to one of the sides and engaging the other side andcapable of being released from the latter upon relative movement of thesaid sides.

7. In a holder for a flexible member, a frame having opposite sides,capable of moving relatively to each other, in a plane, alatch memberpivoted to one of the sides and engaging the other side and capable ofbe ing released from the latter upon relative movement of the saidsides, the latch being weighted to cause the same to assume a positionin which a rope, cord, or the like, may be readily applied.

8. In a holder for a flexible member, a. frame having opposite sides,capable of moving relatively to each other, in a plane, a latch memberpivoted to one of the sides and engaging the other side and capable ofbeing released from the latter upon relative movement of the said sides,said sides being con nected at one end by a resilient loop.

9. In a holder for a flexible member, a frame having opposite sides,capableof moving relatively to each other, in a plane, a latch memberpivoted to one of the sides and engaging the other side and capable ofbeing released from the latter upon relative movement of the said sides,said sides being relaitively. rigidly connected at one end and having atsaid end an'attaching loop.

10. In a holder for a flexible member, a frame having opposite sides,capable of moving relatively to each other, in a plane,

a latch member pivoted to one of the sides andengagmg the other side andcapable of being released from the latter upon relative movement of thesaid sides, there being resilient means to urge saidsides toward eachother.

.11. In a holder for a flexible member, a frame having opposite sides,capable of .moving relatively to eachother, ina plane,

latch member pivoted to one of the sides and engaging the-other side-andcapable of being released from the latter upon relative ,movement'ofathesaid sides,--s aid frame hav- -inga a cross bar extending between thesides thereof to co-operate with the locking member to'grip andihold aflexible member.

12. In a holder for a flexible member, a frame having opposite sides,capable of moving relatively'to' each other, in a plane,

a latch member pivoted to one of the sides a-ndengaging the othersideand capable of being released from the latter upon relative movementof the said sides, said frame having a cross bar extending"therebetweento co-operate with the locking member to grip and hold a flexiblemember, said cross bar the latch member from holding position or retainit in holding position, means for actuating one of the sideelements'relatively to the other, whereby the latch'member may bereleased from engagement with said other side element.

In Witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name to this specification.

'VVILLIAM HASTINGS HUTTER.

